What I’m Thankful For…

Reading Time: 5 minutes

A charming picture of a few crew members of Clarifying Catholicism

“I’m thankful for Clarifying Catholicism because it has helped me to learn a lot about Catholic theology and to think about important issues which I would otherwise not explore. I do not know most of the crew personally, living far from the others, but through communicating with them I have found them to be a most curious and excited crowd who are exploring the world for themselves and looking honestly for God. And for that I am both impressed and thankful to know such great souls.”
            -Jacob Dicken, Senior Director, Junior

The Following is a series of reflections from many Clarifying Catholicism Contributors, who were prompted with, “What are you thankful for this year?”

Directors

“I’m thankful for the fantastic growth of Clarifying Catholicism‘s ministries. What once started out as a group of seven Oregonians has spiked to almost fifty students from across the country. The intellectual effort and amazing faith of this group inspires me to be a better person and to never lose hope in our generation.”-William Deatherage, Founder and Executive Director, Junior

“I’m thankful to be able to be in Jerusalem, where I have been able to learn much about myself, language, history, and faith.”-Jacob Dicken, Senior Director, Junior

“I am thankful for the opportunity to attend a university where I can both study and live out my faith.”-Andrew Plasker, Director of West Coast Operations, Junior

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to study theology and philosophy in an in-depth way from several great professors. I’m also thankful for the friends I have at Catholic University and for the opportunity to study abroad in Rome next semester.”-Liam O’Toole, Director of East Coast Operations, Junior

“I am thankful for all of the wonderful opportunities God has given me, the incredible people He has put in my life, and for the abundant graces He constantly is pouring over us.”-Mary Ryan, Director of Blog, Sophomore

“I’m thankful that I have a loving family that help me through the toughest challenges in my life.”-Alec Bonjolo, Director of Social Media, Freshman

Blog Columnists

IMG_5801
A group of columnists enjoy some Sushi together

“I’m thankful for God, my country, and The Catholic University of America.”-Alex Koshakji, Senior

“It is difficult to express everything I am grateful for this Thanksgiving in such a short sentence, but what I would like to highlight are all the people, friends, and companions, who have continued to support me in my vocation as a religious brother, especially with the difficulties facing Mother Church these days. I am always reminded of God’s never ending love through these wonderful individuals!”-Brother Tim Blanchard, Junior

“I’m thankful for this year, now that I’m back at CUA, I am thankful for all of the great people I’ve met and great experiences I’ve had. Good to be back.”-Tommy Gambino, Junior

“I’m thankful for an awesome opportunity I had to be in Colorado last summer with FOCUS. I’m thankful for the classes I had this semester. And for my family and friends.”-JT Parker, Junior

“I am thankful for the mystifying presence of Our Lord in the Eucharist. I am thankful for the immeasurable gift of salvation. I am thankful for Our Blessed Mother’s compassionate mantle.”-Abby Leary, Sophomore

IMG_5880Will Deatherage (Exec. Director) and Mary Ryan (Blog Director) working on website stuff

“I am thankful for my friends and that I can come to them as I am. They accept me for me and not someone else.”-Sarah Strba, Freshman

“I’m thankful for my health and ability to grow in a whole new way on and off campus. I’m also thankful for my family and friends for always being there!”-Natalie Bauman

“I’m thankful for the chance to finally live in Washington, D.C. since I’ve wanted to live here my whole life, being around so many other Catholics here on campus, and all the new people I’ve met.”-Madeline Sanders, Freshman

“This year I am thankful for the Catholic University Community. I am blessed to be a part of such a loving community which pushes me to grow in faith and academics.”-Jenna Drummond, Freshman

“I’m thankful for Christ’s Truth and Revelation through His love, the hard work of preservation of such. Also thankful for the Bishops, priests, and seminarians, and faithful that make up the family in the Universality of our Church, who in Her also work hard to protect the sanctity of that Truth, along with watching over their flocks, helping guide people into deeper relationship with the mystery of Christ.”-Rachel Le Melle, Freshman

I’m thankful for finding wonderful friends to surround myself with fairly quickly freshman year, staying in touch with old friends and even growing in those relationships because of the distance, my family, daily Mass, and the rosary.”-Marie Semersheim, Freshman

Video Writers

IMG_6830
Video writers hanging out on Election Night 2018

“I am thankful for the viewers of Clarifying Catholicism and their friends and family.
I am thankful for the Lord Jesus and His unfathomable Mercy and Love. I am thankful for the gift of Christ in others and, of course, in the Eucharist (which is a word meaning ‘thanksgiving’).”-Maria Flores, Graduated

“I’m thankful for my family, roommates, and that Peppermint season is coming up!”-Janae Carter, Senior

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to study here at The Catholic University of America and to have the chance to meet so many good Catholic friends and collegues.”-Angelica Brice, Junior

I’m thankful for the wonderful community of friends I have both local, and across the country, who continue to bring joy into my life everyday.”-Cameron Gaub, Freshman

“I am thankful that God has given me the grace to recognize the Truth.”-Jason Martinez, Freshman

Cinematographers

“I’m thankful for my Suitemates, Architecture, and The Catholic University of America.”-Eduardo Perez-Rubio, Junior

“I’m thankful for my God, my family and my friends. They’ve all helped me grow in virtue and I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to help some of them grow as well.”-Thomas Gorman, Freshman

Group1

One Response

  1. This is a great and blessed group of young adults. I am inspired by who you are and what you are about! I know I speak for many people when I say we are thankful for you and your dedicated ministry!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Follow Us!